Many of us, myself included, come from a dysfunctional family which adds a lot of weight to the challenges of caregiving. I have read stores on various threads on other topics and decided it would be good to have a thread just for this topic for people to share, vent and discuss.
The idea for this thread originated on the thread named "The Caregiver....How are YOU doing today?"
After the drama of starting on getting my mum's and step-dad's past due taxes dealt with from 2004-2008 when I discovered this problem in 2009; her broken hip and going to the nursing home in 2009; some intense family of origin therapy issues in 2010; getting all of these taxes over with in 2010; I find things have come to the grind of her declining dementia; constantly wanting to go home and thinking that she can; the miss-perception that she's only been there a few months when it has been 3 1/2 years and staring to wonder with the US market being so unstable how long her securities will last her after finally getting the investments where the interest would pay for what her long term insurance does not. I must be going through another caregiving stage of some sort which I don't know what to name.
I wish everyone well in their own various challenges.
I had not caught up reading here.
Well, last week was lots of revelations! This is the best way I can sum it up.
So my cousin Dee and I went on our own to the family gathering to discuss the gathering of info., to make a family tree.
The first thing that happened was that we had directions to my cousin Lily's place, (where the gathering was held),
We had an incorrect street name that supposedly connected to Lily's address.
So Dee, was driving, and I was navigator. After we discovered we were lost, we began to flag people we'd see in the neighborhood. Good thing we left early! After asking about 5 people, we then discovered that Dee had left her cell phone at home. Oh no! My cell phone went down about a month and a half ago. I haven't bought a new one, but this was a lesson. Anyway......I was now suggesting to Dee we go back to the main street, to look for a phone booth. Remember those. She said, let's go down this street and ask one last time. We saw a man, asked him.
He directed us to his neighbor-Jenny, said she'd lived in that neighborhood for 40 yrs. I reluctantly went up to this house, while Dee sat in the car on the street.
I had to ring Jenny's door bell. A woman answered the door. I introduced myself and told her my problem. I heard someone say something to Jenny from inside the house. Somehow, hearing that woman's voice sounded familiar to me.
Suddenly that other woman in the house came to the door. I could not believe it!!
It was my half brother's ex-wife. This half brother is my dad's son from his previous marriage. The last time I saw her was at dad's funeral 10 yrs. ago!
She and my half brother had 3 sons together. Anyway, now we were flagging Dee to come inside the house, meanwhile Jenny (the lady who lives there), was busy pulling out a map of neighborhood. I did find out through my half brother's ex-wife, that my dad's first wife died last year. But of all the coincidences that could happen to anyone. Needless to say we got to Lily's house w/the help of Jenny's directions.
At the gathering, our cousin Lily thinks of herself as the matriarch, is really one "Queen Bee." Truth be told, I'm sure she is a narcissist. A niece of Lily's was there, and we were told that she would be filming this gathering. This niece was rather overbearing. I understand on the one hand why people would want to film something like this, however this was our first meeting and I knew we were going to have some challenges w/Lily, to begin with.
Well now everyone was there, including my sister and mother. They were all very happy to see mom, so I was glad about that. I still however feel it was a bit much the fact my sister decided to take her.
Anyway, Lily has major diabetes. She's the kind of personality who one can't have a factual conversation with. It's always deflecting back to her accomplishments, or something about herself. The cousins were having wine coolers, so some started to have their own chatter. Well w/this combination, I was having a difficult time writing down names and relationship. This is what I know I need if I'm going to do more research for a family tree. Then the side bar, was Lily's niece thought she was some kind of documentarian. She kept interrupting Lily to ask her own questions. This niece knows very little about the family. Her niece seemed to rub several of us the wrong way, as in over-bearing. Also, Lily started going off on a tangent about her father. No disrespect, but our family has to do w/Lily's mom.
The more interesting part of that gathering is the fact that Lily's sister provided a document-proof of birth's for the eldest children in dad's clan. This even had more names some of us were not aware of sharing our family name. Even if I didn't get some detailed info., of which I"m going to follow up on w/the cousin organizer,
I was able to come away w/DOB's, and other details for searches.
My sister did her suspect behavior w/both Dee and me. Bottom line, my sister is an extremely jealous woman, always has been. As I'd written before, she currently has some underlying jealousies and bogus ill feelings. honestly because Dee couldn't be of service to my sister (talk about that later). On account of this, she thought she was going to reel me into that stupidity. So both Dee and me got those familiar looks from my sister, as if she's sizing us up; that kind of thing.
But I was happy to see that all the cousins were glad mom came. Mom even had a wine cooler. In one instance, my sister asked my mom if dad ever told her what town he was born in. He had not. Then she asked mom, " why didn't you ask him?" Mom replied, "because I didn't care." She said it such a matter of fact manner. Of course everyone laughed, including myself. But I think this answer is somewhat revealing also. O.K., I'll be writing about my searches. This is going to get too long if I don't do that. Margeaux
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day." A song by Johnny Nash
Sorry, this song came in my head, I know it isn't going to be a rainbow of days with my mother, but this has helped to see it with a different perspective by understanding her personality better. Thank you so much for making me think about how her personality works, I can't wait to share this with my sis, it will help her too. I will read the link you provided, I know I can get in that "fix it" mode, wanting to help everyone and fix what is going on. I tend to do that with my son and his financial problems but I am getting better with him on that issue.(((((((Hugs)))))))!!!
BTDT, got the t shirts, not going back! :)
Have you been able to find out if calling in APS would jeopardize the carrying out of the LivingTrust as your mum and dad set it up?
((((((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))))))) Look after you -Joan
Do be sure to look after you in the middle of all of this. The stress on you must be great. Hope that venting here helps. You may not get the specific info you are looking for, but you certanly can get support.
((((((((((((((((hugs))))))))))) Joan
This book sounds great and I will order a copy for myself and my sister/brother! My sis and I will still be checking on mom through visits and phone calls so we know about her safety at home. I will be taking her grocery shopping, to appts. once her license has been revoked. Maybe by driving her around for her needs, she will start to trust us more...maybe!! Thank you for sharing the info on the book, it sounds like something we can all read to gain understanding. Thank you for the hugs, it is great knowing I have such a loving support group here on AC (((((HUGS)))))!!
I suggest you seek a consultation with an elder law attorney to ask the questions you are seeking answers to. My best guess is that if you report this attorney, an investigation will take place which will probably be lengthy. While you are talking with the elder law attorney inquire about getting a guardianship for your father. I do not know what Fl. law states in regards to who can and cannot decide incapacity, or whether you need to go to court for a judge to make the final decision. What I wrote in the first paragraph applies to Ca. law. Most attorney's will not charge for the first consultation. If you decide to report the attorney, you might want to pursue the guardianship at the same time. Good luck to you and I hope you get the answers you are seeking, remember to document everything that has happened with copies of investigations, etc.
"I highly recommend Pauline Boss's book "Loving Someone Who Has Dementia." Much of the book is focussed on the unique situation of having a loved one both "there" and "not there" that dementia presents. But some of her advice applies to any caregiver, and I think this especially true when she acknowledges that persons trying to care for someone who was neglectful or abusive to them are in a different situation than those caring for loved ones where there was and is a healthy bond. If you get the book, this topic starts on page 163."
Have a great day everyone.
You are a very loving daughter, and I know you will look out for your mum's best interests.
(((((((((((((((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))
Joan
With all the emotional drain on me, I slept 12 hours straight, didn't wake up till noon today. I am feeling more logical about the situation. My sis and I talked about the situation for quite a long time today. I told her that since she feels the lady who is helping mother with her checking account seems to be honest, I think it is best to let it ride as it is. The woman told me sister she has other people she is helping and that she has a limit of what she will do for them. She was glad my sister called her because she didn't want to ask my mother for our phone numbers without raising red flags. She also told sis she knows we are not trying to steal mother's money and are not neglecting her in anyway. She will contact my sister if she feels things have gone beyond what she is willing to do or if she feels my mother has declined further. I asked my sis to call her to get her address so we can send her occasionally a bouquet of flowers or something since she cannot accept any payment as an AARP volunteer. I am feeling better about all it with the prayers and good wishes from everyone here on AC. This wonderful lady told my sis that she is fortunate because her husband (deceased) left her well cared for and she volunteers her time to help elderly people and then takes a cruise once a year.
I know that the guidelines for what the law considers incompetency is much more beyond where my mother is currently at and that what my sis and I are trying to accomplish is considered acting too soon. However , it is beyond my understanding of allowing a person continue on when they clearly need help. Her insurance provider told us we have to wait until something happens, she hurts herself from a fall or something else. I find it hard to believe that while we are trying to prolong her life by being proactive, we hit legal road blocks that say we are violating her rights, while these laws can actually be accelerating her demise. It is with great sadness that I write these words, but I can only hope the Alzheimer's progresses to the point of where my mother will no longer accuse us of stealing from her so we can follow what she and my daddy wanted with their living trust.
As far as the DMV written test goes, my mother will probably have to go to a DMV office out of town. Apparently only certain cities have the authority to have re-examinations done. This includes the driving test as well. Can you imagine someone who has Alzheimer's having to go to another city for the written test and a driving test??? It is unnecessary stress for an Alzheimer's patient to have to go through. I am not saying she should be allowed to drive, but having her go to a city with one way streets and she knows that Stockton, Modesto and Sacramento all have one way streets, my heart goes out to her with this stress she must be carrying, but because of the PD she will never verbalize that to us so we could help her through it.
You all have been wonderful with the support and I can only say how blessed I am to have found this site and everyone t provide support, prayer, positive thoughts and just your words have helped me so much. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart and hoping everyone has a wonderful weekend and week ahead♥♥♥!!!
SunnyD: I so appreciate your frustration with your brother and his antics. Your sister too. Nevertheless, it seems a shame that the family closest to your parents; those that truly understand the real issues are washing their hands of the parents. Maybe you could tell your parents that you will provide accommodations for their sibs that come once a year. Maybe you are doing the right thing. I'm not sure, but eventually your parents will suffer an injury that will get the ball moving. I'm sorry you are going through this. Your sibs sound so unreasonable. My heart goes out to you.
Book: I thought your post about states in the US trying to put the cost of parents medical care on the back of their children could not be true. I read up on it and yowser, another train heading our way. This does not apply to parents on medicaid. Glad my dad has managed that hurdle.
Hey everyone, try to stay positive. Love you all, Cattails
needs that from someone else to meet some of the unmet needs) but as therapists we had to "re-teach" / "reparent" so the person w PD could learn new
adaptive ways to get needs met n to interact w others in appropriate ways. I have been doing this w mom since she got here! Starting to see some improvement!
Also DH gets the triangulation concept n has firm boundaries. I warned him some
of the tactics he'd likely see, so he's super united w me when stuff comes up-really a blessing! My sis jokes she's glad we got to be parents together, but sad it's to mom. When we were still dating n had a little bump in the road, she tried to get my girlfriend to arrange a date for them- not to help fix our spat either! My friend was shocked to death as my mom comes off as so sweet, innocent n angelic to others. I'm thankful God got me to the Point where I can handle her. Frankly I WAS terrified at the thought that it could ruin my life, n then I'd have to place her n be so mad I wouldn't be able to deal w her at all. Bottom line- I totally get why it can't be done in many cases...neither of my sibs could handle it. I probably couldn't if not for the extra training n learning curve my career entailed! I try to never make a big decision when I'm upset, if I can remove myself for a while, I find things work out better for me. I also try to use humor to deflect some of the crazy stuff! My mom wasn't getting her way one day, n she announced she was leaving, to go back to her prior home (3000 mi away). I said oh, ok, I think I have a bandanna n pole around here we can pack up for you, huc Finn. Will that do? She couldn't help but laugh, even tho just a min prior she was so mad, I thought her head might blow off. I think she's figured out I'm not gonna play her game...I thank God for the strength to stand firm and not let her push my buttons!
Sharyn, I am confident that you will figure out what is best for you and your family, too. I guess I am just trying to say, in both posts, that I understand, and that I support you whatever you decide. ((((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))